I had no idea that cromoly tubes were so expensive so Im now looking for alternatives…

a generic question I have is, does it really matter on what I use of its not for a competition setup?

I mean I dnt care if its relatively heavy… my initial thoughts was using stainless steel tubes or even construction rods but everyone online seem to recommend only using cromoly…

edit: ordered 5x25mm wtainless steel tubes for 15eur (1.5m) the same in cromoly couldnt find them under 70eur…

  • litchralee@sh.itjust.works
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    4 months ago

    I suppose this comment really gives away what region I live in

    Does it? I can’t quite recognize which part of your comment is particular to a specific region.

    FYI for folks considering stainless steel welding, copious ventilation is required as the chromium component gives off some awful gases. To be clear, all welding processes give off bad gases, but stainless steel’s gases sounds particularly unpleasant.

    • mranderson17@infosec.pub
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      4 months ago

      I’m not aware of a welding process that is safe for humans without at least a dust/fume extractor. That and a respirator with the appropriate filters for the application that fits under a welding hood is basically standard equipment even for hobby welding in my opinion. Also hex chrome is a particulate, not a gas, and tig welding uses solid rods (not flux core) and a much smaller heat affected zone so it’s already better in that area AFAICT, but I’m not an expert in this area.

      As far as particulates when welding go you should watch how careless people are when they grind their tungsten electrodes containing all kinds of dangerous additives with their respirator around their neck because “I’m not welding so I don’t need it”.

      So yes, this is good advice. We should all think more about the things we do, even when working on home improvement projects and mundane stuff, that could end up damaging our lungs.